Press Release
Interfaith Alliance Welcomes History-Making New Pope Leo XIV
Interfaith Alliance, a national leader in the pro-democracy faith movement, dedicated to uniting communities of diverse faiths and beliefs, today welcomed the announcement that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost would become the first-ever American-born Pope, taking on the name of Leo XIV.
Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, president and CEO of Interfaith Alliance, released the following statement:
“Today is a deeply significant day for American Catholics, and also for all those who care about the critical role that faith leaders can play in providing moral leadership and guidance.
“While there is still so much to learn about this Pope, his positions, his record and his plans, we are encouraged by the early reports that he has a track record of dedicated ministry in the Global South, and that he has been committed to many of the reforms promoted by his predecessor Pope Francis.
“At a time when the very concepts of justice, charity, and mercy have been under attack by the most powerful figures in our own country and around the world, we deeply need major spiritual figures who are willing to stand up for the fundamental humanity of all people, and who are willing to speak truth to power against policies and ideologies that cause suffering, division and violence. We hope that Pope Leo XIV will seek to serve as such a figure, and that he will also prioritize collaboration, dialogue and mutual understanding with people of all faith traditions.”
Transcript
Florida Faith Leaders Mobilize at State Capitol To Support Democracy, Defend Immigrant Communities
TALLAHASSEE, Florida — On Thursday, January 22, 2026, dozens of faith leaders from across Florida will hold a Moral Mobilization at the State Capitol in Tallahassee. They will speak out for democracy, equality, and the dignity of immigrants and all communities, as part of a coordinated day of advocacy and public witness organized by Interfaith Alliance of Florida and other Florida grassroots faith organizations.
Interfaith Alliance Condemns Brutal ICE Killing – Calls for Faith Communities to Reject Authoritarianism and Choose Love, Not ICE
On Wednesday in Minneapolis, Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good during an otherwise nonviolent encounter. Video and eyewitness accounts, which show the woman attempting to flee from ICE as they aggressively attempted to enter her vehicle, contradicting the Trump administration’s claims that agents acted in self-defense. The killing has intensified outrage and grief across Minnesota and the nation, as calls grow for accountability and an end to ICE crackdowns that are driving fear and putting communities in danger.
New Interfaith Alliance National Ad Campaign Contrasts ICE Brutality With Holy Season’s Call to Love Our Neighbors
Interfaith Alliance, a leading national advocate for religious freedom and civil rights, launched a powerful new nationwide advertising campaign today that contrasts ICE’s brutality against immigrant families and communities with the holy season’s religious calling to “love thy neighbor.”